Shilabalike'

Last year, we visited the Belur temples in Karnataka, and I was completely drawn into the world of soapstone sculptures. The level of detail, the fluidity of form and the life captured in stone felt almost unreal.

This is my study of one of the shilabalikes - a graceful dancer caught in a quiet, intimate moment, looking at herself in a mirror. Time has not spared her entirely. The delicate, free-hanging necklace is broken, and parts of her legs are damaged. And yet, her presence remains powerful. If anything, the imperfections add character, reminding us of the centuries she has lived through.

What continues to amaze me is that this entire figure including the jewelry was carved out of a single piece of stone.

This is a charcoal drawing (18" x 24"), my attempt to capture a small glimpse of that timeless beauty.

Fashion - from the archives

 Here is another pencil sketch of a model. Done on paper approx. 30"X40". Drawn in 1989!

Gitopadesha - from the archives

 Here is a pastel painting of the Gitopadesha scene from Mahabharata where Krishna is preaching to Arjuna just before the battle of Kurukshetra. This was done in 1987 on brown wrapping paper. Size 40"X30" approx.

Delphic Sibyl by Michelangelo

 A study of the Delphic Sibyl in the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo.

I used sanguine and sepia pencils and sticks, and finished it off with color from pencils.  The original in Sistine Chapel is about three times life-size whereas this study is 24" x 18" on paper. 

Giza Pyramids

Earlier this month, I had the chance to visit Egypt and see the Pyramids of Giza in person. It’s hard to describe the feeling when you’re standing next to something that’s been around for thousands of years. The scale is massive, but what really caught my attention was the precision and geometry of the construction - and the fact that we still don’t have clear answers on how they were built.

The whole area is vast and wide open, mostly a muted desert palette. But it’s broken up by clusters of camels carrying tourists, giving a burst of color and movement to the otherwise still landscape. From a distance, the scene feels both timeless and active.

I wanted to capture that contrast in a quick sketch - this one’s done digitally on the iPad. I used simple lines and a minimal shading to reflect the simplicity and structure of the pyramids and the desert around them. 

El Arco

Standing proudly where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, El Arco - the iconic natural arch of Los Cabos - is breathtaking. Often called "Land’s End," El Arco is not only a stunning photo opportunity but a beloved emblem of Cabo’s spirit and charm. Nearby, you'll find Lover’s Beach, with its calm, swimmable waters on the Sea of Cortez side, and Divorce Beach, where the Pacific’s waves crash dramatically onto the sand. The arch is accessible only by water, and the journey is half the fun.

Spitfire

 A quick sketch of the iconic Spitfire fighter. This was one of my favorite fighter planes of the World War II era.